Zumbelina (Race 6) – a post-race veterinary examination the mare to be displaying a poor post-race recovery. Stable representative Mr C Duckworth confirmed that the intention was to have Zumbelina take up a forward position. He added in his view the mare was not assisted by having to make a wide run making the home turn, which resulted in the mare not finishing the race off over the final 200m. Mr Duckworth was asked to provide a veterinary clearance prior to Zumbelina racing again.

Chappie (Race 8) – a post-race veterinary examination found the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. As this was the second occasion on which Chappie had bled, it was barred forever from racing under AR53A

Penalties & Fines

App. J Innes Jr, rider of The Pharoah was fined the sum of $200 under AR137A(4)(b) for using the whip in an action racing it above shoulder height.

Summary of Races

RACE 1: Golden Gift 1100m

Lingennic – began awkwardly and lost ground.

Wild Planet – slow to begin, then from its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start.

Orcein – made contact with the nearside gate on jumping. From its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start. Inclined to lay in throughout the middle stages of the event.

Plague Stone – near the 200m rider B Avdulla accidentally dropped his nearside rein and did not regain it until close to the winning post. When questioned, rider B Avdulla stated he was issued with no specific instructions other than to ensure the colt settled. He said, after beginning fairly, shortly after the start his mount was hampered when Secret Lady shifted out, which resulted in Plague Stone settling a little further back than he had anticipated. He added in the early stages he then endeavoured to obtain cover on the back of Cosimo, but after travelling a short distance his mount commenced to race fiercely, refused to settle and had to be checked away from the heels of Cosimo for some distance before shifting to that runner's outside near the 900m. B Avdulla further stated he was then obliged to allow his mount to stride forward and take up a position outside the leader Secret Lady. He said that making the home turn and in the straight Plague Stone was inclined to lay out and near the 200m shifted ground away from Secret Lady when that runner shifted also. Having regard to the racing manners of Plague Stone, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by B Avdulla in the circumstances were not unreasonable. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Cosimo – inclined to overrace in the early stages.

Secret Lady – inclined to lay out in the straight and over the concluding stages shifted out a number of horses under pressure close to the finish. App. L Magorrian was cautioned against the practice of using the whip in his right hand when his mount is inclined to lay out under pressure.

Californiasurprise – when questioned regarding the performance, rider W Costin stated, whilst her mount travelled satisfactorily in the run, it was disappointing in its failure to finish the race off and in her opinion may have come to the end of its preparation. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Co-trainer Mr Paul Snowden confirmed that Californiasurprise would now be spelled.

RACE 2: The HQ of Insurance Handicap 1400m

Burden Of Proof – slow to begin. Stewards opened and inquiry into the tactics adopted on the filly. Rider App. A Adkins stated his instructions were to have the filly settle back in the field as it had done at its most recent two wins. When questioned regarding his riding in the early stages as to whether there was an opportunity maintain his position to the inside of the eventual winner Bull Market, App. Adkins stated having regard to his instructions he felt he would have had to make some use of his mount to hold this position and as a consequence he elected to take ease his mount and allow Bull Market to cross. He added, after being crossed by Bull Market near the 1000m, that runner was then also crossed by Poetic Charmer and this resulted in his mount being shuffled back towards the rear of the field. App. Adkins further stated, after following Bull Market into the straight, he immediately improved to that runner's outside, whereby he placed his mount under full pressure and the filly finished the race off strongly. Trainer Ms T Bateup confirmed the instructions issued and, whilst satisfied with App. Adkins' riding in the early stages, acknowledged he did have an opportunity to maintain his early position to the inside of Bull Market. The inquiry was adjourned in respect to App. Adkins' riding of the filly to a date to be fixed.

Radiant Choice – jumped awkwardly.

Up Trumpz – on jumping buffeted between Bezzina, which shifted in, and Bull Market, which shifted out.

Bezzina – from its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start.

Legal Girl – had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the straight.

Star Sensation – the Stewards opened an inquiry into B Shinn's riding of the filly and in particular the reason he continued to ride forward and cross to gain the lead. B Shinn stated his instructions were to take up a forward position, but was given no specific instruction as to where to settle. He added Star Sensation commenced particularly well and when he observed B Avdulla, rider of Radiant Choice, to not show intent on going more forward, he elected to endeavour to cross that runner. He further stated that as he commenced to do so Radiant Choice appeared to increase the tempo, which resulted in him having to make more use of his mounts to cross that runner. When questioned if there was an opportunity to take a trailing position behind Radiant Choice he stated that, as the tempo of the race at this point was only moderate, given his mount's 60.5kg he felt this would not be in the best interests of his horse to do so. Trainer Mr M Newnham confirmed the instructions issued and, whilst acknowledging the opportunity existed to follow Radiant Choice, he expressed general satisfaction with B Shinn's decision to race outside the lead. After interviewing a number of jockeys and their respective trainers in respect to tactics adopted in this race and having regard to the wagering activity on this event, the matter was adjourned to a date to be fixed. An inquiry into B Shinn's whip use on Star Sensation prior to the 100m was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Maid Marilyn – rider App. R King stated her mount was able to hold the lead in the early stages as instructed. She said when Star Sensation improved to her outside in the early stages she contemplated allowing that horse to cross, but when its rider B Shinn did not continue to go forward, she elected to maintain the lead. She added, after travelling well into the straight, Maid Marilyn commenced to give ground and in her view may not have handled the step up in grade and also may not have appreciated the quick back up. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the filly was displaying a slow recovery.

RACE 3: Luna Park Handicap 1800m

Dagny – began awkwardly, shifted in and was then bumped by Hogmanay, which itself began awkwardly and shifted out. From its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start.

Paragon – despite being ridden along in the early stages took some time to muster speed.

Mornington – held up making the home turn and in the early part of the straight and did not secure clear running until near the 200m.

Intueri – on straightening became unbalanced when bumped by Paragon, which shifted out. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance, rider J Ford stated that his mount was inclined to overrace in the early stages, particularly when pressured by Paragon when that runner went forward. He said when placed under pressure in the straight Intueri then commenced to give ground, however attributed today's performance to the racing manners of the gelding in the early stages.

Hogmanay – a post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Mortar Platoon – when questioned regarding the disappointing performance, rider T Angland stated, after improving into the event well, he asked his mount in the early part of the straight to fully extend it failed to let down as expected. He said the only explanation he could offer for today's performance was that Mortar Platoon is better suited on more forgiving surfaces. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Gambler's Blues – A Hyeronimus was spoken to regarding returning to scale 0.9 kilograms over his declared weight.

RACE 4: Bedford CA Handicap 1200m

Blowing Kisses – bumped on jumping by Vienna Romance, which began awkwardly and shifted out. Near the 900m was hampered when taken wider by Vienna Romance, which shifted out. From the 900m raced wide and without cover.

Feelin The Love – began awkwardly.

Vigilance – buffeted on jumping between Overstep, which began awkwardly and shifted in, and Picardy Rose, which began awkwardly and shifted out. From its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start.

Picardy Rose –when questioned regarding the performance of the mare, rider K McEvoy stated his mount was fractious in the barriers, missed the start and got further back than intended. He added under pressure in the straight Picardy Rose failed to finish the race off and was most disappointing.

Lasting Shadow – from its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start.

Vienna Romance – near the 1000m to raced keenly and had to be steadied away from the heels of Positive Problems (R Hutchings), which shifted in when not quite clear. R Hutchings was advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground. When questioned, rider J Ford stated his instructions were to take up a midfield position, but the mare was inclined to race keenly in the early stages and did not settle. He said making the turn Vienna Romance was inclined to lay out and then gave ground in the straight from that point. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to have been galloped on to the near-hind cannon.

Gitan – overraced in the early stages and refused to settle. Near the 1000m had to be checked to avoid the heels of Athonis (App. R King), which shifted in when not clear. App. King was reprimanded and advised she must ensure she is sufficiently clear when shifting ground.

Positive Problems – when questioned regarding the improved performance, rider R Hutchings and stable representative Mr J Bruce stated that the only explanation they could offer for today's improved showing was that the mare had been aided by being able to dictate terms without being unduly restrained and was able to lead at a moderate tempo. Mr Bruce added Positive Problems had raced successfully in this manner in its last campaign over 1500m and in his opinion this was the only real explanation they could offer for today's improved showing.

Zonk – when questioned regarding his riding and the reason he did not contest the lead in the early stages, App. J Innes Jr stated his instructions were to take up a forward position and lead if there was only a moderate tempo. He said in the early stages when Positive Problems and Anatola improved to his outside, when he was of the view that the tempo was going to be genuine, particularly due to Anatola being three wide, he elected to allow those two runners to cross, whereby he took up a trailing position.

Conchita – when questioned regarding the disappointing performance, rider B Avdulla stated in his view the mare is better suited over shorter distances, whereby it is assisted by a stronger tempo. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to have abrasions over the wither.

Anatola – a post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be showing signs of heat stress. Trainer Mr M Newnham was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to Anatola racing again.

RACE 5: TAB Highway Handicap 1500m

Realing - bumped on jumping by Pahruli, which began awkwardly and shifted out. Rider T Angland was questioned in respect to his riding out of the 3 rd placegetter over the concluding stages. He said that Realing, under pressure in the straight, was inclined to shift ground and hang in, which restricted his vigour on the gelding. He added that approaching the finish Realing continued to hang in, shift ground and as a consequence he was obliged to stop riding his mount and straighten close to the winning post. After considering his explanation and whilst Stewards were mindful his actions had compromised him finishing in advance of 2nd placegetter Athonis, they accepted his explanation that he was obliged to stop riding and straighten when his mount commenced to shift in.

Image Of Love - began awkwardly and was then hampered by Didyahearme, which was bumped and carried in by Salesman, which began awkwardly and shifted in. Image Of Love then took some time to muster speed in the early stages.

Didyahearme – after being ridden along in the early stages, had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Salesman (App. C Macfarlane), which shifted in when not fully clear. App. Macfarlane was reprimanded and advised to ensure she is sufficiently clear when crossing other runners. Near the 1000m Salesman was restrained to avoid the heels of Gitan and in doing so shifted out, resulting in Realing having to be steadied to avoid the heels of that runner. In this incident Didyahearme then shifted out when being steadied from the heels of Realing, which resulted in Pahruli being taken wider.

Pahruli – near the 1400m had to be steadied when crowded by Realing which, after improving and holding its position to the inside of Schedule (App. B McDougall), was taken in by that runner. App. McDougall was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground. When questioned regarding the filly settling back in the field today, rider App. A Adkins stated his intention was to be more forward, but after not being the best to begin, he elected not to place his mount under pressure in the early stages so he did not make too much use of it. He added, after being steadied soon after the start when briefly crowded, his mount was then obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

Only Choice – a post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 6: Thoroughbred Breeders NSW Handicap 1400m

Wayanka – from its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Morton's Fork – from its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start.

Gold Ambition – hampered shortly after the start behind Handfast, which shifted in, and Just Dreaming, which shifted out slightly. When questioned regarding his riding near the 900m and in respect to the reason he shifted off three wide, where his mount then raced without cover from that point, App. J Innes Jr stated, after following Unequivocal, his mount commenced to race keenly when it became awkward on that runner's heels. He said as he took hold of his mount to avoid heels, Gold Ambition shifted off, which resulted in Morton's Fork improving to his inside, whereby he was obliged to race three wide without cover. He added near the 800m Unequivocal shifted out, resulting in his mount being again taken even wider making the home turn.

Invinzabeel – raced keenly in the early stages.

Handfast – leaving the 100m, after being crossed by Just Dreaming, shifted out when being restrained from that runner's heels. Handfast then improved to the inside of Invinzabeel and had to be steadied when Invinzabeel shifted in and resumed its position behind Just Dreaming. Rider T Angland was spoken to in respect to using the whip on a horse that is out of contention.

Zenalicious – held up for clear running until the 250m.

Zumbelina – when questioned regarding his riding, B Shinn stated his instructions had been to take up a forward position and he anticipated settling behind the leaders. He said his mount jumped awkwardly and as a consequence lost some ground. He added, when he observed runners to his inside, he elected to ride his mount conservatively in order to obtain a position with cover. B Shinn further stated in the early stages, when Morton's Fork held its position to his inside, he was obliged to race wide without cover until near the 900m when Gold Ambition shifted off. He said from this point he followed Gold Ambition into the race and, after initially responding in the early part of the straight, he was disappointed with its final 200m. A post-race veterinary examination the mare to be displaying a poor post-race recovery. Stable representative Mr C Duckworth confirmed that the intention was to have Zumbelina take up a forward position. He added in his view the mare was not assisted by having to make a wide run making the home turn, which resulted in the mare not finishing the race off over the final 200m. Mr Duckworth was asked to provide a veterinary clearance prior to Zumbelina racing again.

RACE 7: The Country Classic 2000m

Le Cavalier – slow to begin and then was hampered by Zamex, which began awkwardly and shifted out.

Old Habits – bumped on jumping by Bronzed Venom, which shifted out.

Dyrham Park – began awkwardly.

Cogliere – jumped awkwardly and then soon after the start was inconvenienced when Galiano shifted out. Raced keenly and making the first turn had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Miss Dubois.

Only Choice – from its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start.

Zamex – had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 200m.

Overdue – raced keenly in the middle stages.

Allzin – a post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Dalmatia Prince – rider J Adams stated his mount was able to lead in the event as expected, but did not travel as well as it did at its last start at Canterbury. He added in his opinion Dalmatia Prince was feeling the effects of a number of hard runs and may have come to the end of its preparation. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be sore in front. Trainer Mr T Howlett was advised a veterinary clearance would be required prior to Dalmatia Prince racing again.

Bronzed Venom – rider J Collett stated his mount travelled keenly in the run, but from the 100m was under pressure and from that point did not respond to his riding. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 8: Goldners Horse Transport Handicap 1100m

Don't Tease Me – began awkwardly.

Magicaz – hampered on jumping between In Times Of War and Test The World, which began awkwardly and shifted out.

Ozark – crowded on jumping between The Pharoah, which began awkwardly and shifted out, and Grande Punto, which was carried in by Bon Amis, which began awkwardly and shifted in. From its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start. Had difficulty obtaining clear running for some distance near the 150m and then over the concluding stages could not be fully tested when racing tight between In Times Of War and Realise Potential, which shifted out.

Grande Punto – from its wide barrier was steadied and shifted in behind runners shortly after the start. Had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the straight.

In Times Of War – laid out making the home turn. Held up for clear running until near the 300m.

Bon Amis – when questioned regarding his riding, R Hutchings stated his instructions were not to lead today and due to the expected fast early tempo to ride his mount a little quieter than he had at its most recent start. He said when his mount commenced well he rode his mount to take advantage of its good start and was caught three wide in the early stages. He added he then elected to cross Test The World making the first turn and after clearing that runner commenced to shift in to take up a position one off, but was prevented from doing so when Realise Potential shifted to the outside of Chappie. R Hutchings further stated he was then obliged to race three wide and without cover from that point and, given the fast early tempo of the event, was reluctant to ride his mount forward to cross Realise Potential. He said, after riding his mount patiently making the home turn and in the early part of the straight, due to the wide run he had experienced, he commenced to ride vigorously from the 300m, whereby Bon Amis made up reasonable ground before its run peaked close to the winning post. Trainer Mr J Deamer confirmed the instructions were not to lead today. Mr Deamer was reminded of his responsibilities to inform Stewards of any change in riding tactics.

Chappie – a post-race veterinary examination found the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. As this was the second occasion on which Chappie had bled, it was barred forever from racing under AR53A.

The Pharoah – rider App. J Innes Jr was fined the sum of $200 under AR137A(4)(b) for using the whip in an action racing it above shoulder height.

RACE 9: ANZ Bloodstock News Handicap 1500m

After All That – began awkwardly. Raced wide and without cover throughout.

High Mist – slow to begin.

Istria – bumped on jumping by Our Belisa, which began awkwardly and shifted out. Soon after the start was inconvenienced when crowded by Our Belisa, which shifted out slightly. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

Darts Away – approaching the 1000m High Opinion had to be steadied when crowded by Darts Away, which had to be checked to avoid the heels of High Mist, which shifted in slightly despite the efforts of its rider when inclined to overrace.